FEL forks

[BB_TX]

I made mine for about $20 of new steel about 3 years ago. Easy on and easy off and will lift more than my bucket will. I made these primarily to help carry logs, brush, lumber, etc, rather than pallets. What I like most is that they do not block the bucket opening at all. I load it up with brush, logs, trash, etc. and still be able to dump it without anything hanging up.

 

[Freds]

VERY nice setup BB! Non adjustable like you said, but if you never have the need... Do they attach like a toothbar, bolts through the side of the bucket?
That $20 of steel three years ago is probably $80 today /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

MD, are your rear tires loaded? Did you have an implement on the rear for balast? Sounds like you really put the forks to the test and I was wondering if the tractor was acting a little light in the rear with all that weight that far forward.

Thanks

 

[budman72]

Glenn, any pictures of the forks you used? I have a set of forks that I salvaged off an old forklift, but I didn't get the mast. I dont know if I'll make a bracket to attach to the FEL frame (replacing the bucket) or rig up a way to attach to the bucket?

 

[BB_TX]

Freds - Here is another picture. Would probably still be less than $40. I think I bought a full 20' stick of 2x2 tubing but did not use it all. Also a short piece of 2x2 angle. My bucket already had 2 holes in it. That defined my spacing. Angle slips over the front lip of the bucket to distribute the weight. Bolts swing up into the holes. I just finger tighten the nuts since there is no downward force on them. A minute to put on, a minute to take off.
And yes, if I have nothing on the back, the rear does get a little light with a heavy load.

 

[BB_TX]

budman - Here is a <font color="blue"> thread </font> from some time ago with lots of pictures of homemade forks. Many made using salvaged forklift forks.

 

[Freds]

Aside from that last pic by Lazy, which doesn't show how the "fork" attaches to the FEL.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Very useful thread!

 

[Glenn9643]

I don't have a picture but will try to get one today if time permits. If you can find a mast that they'll work with it will allow you to adjust the forks' width and I've found that worthwhile.

 

[Casco1]

Hi, Not having a welder or the talent to build my own. I spent more money but have not regretted it I bought the ATI quick disconnect on my loader bucket as well as a set of dedicated adjustable forks. I spent about $500. What I like is the tractor can lift more since the weight replaces the bucket instead of being in front of it. More precise working because of the visibility without the bucket. and the ATI unit will accept any skidsteer accessory of which there are many. That's my two cents.

 

[Glenn9643]

Took a few pictures and posted them here in the photo gallery.

 

[Larry_T]

I also made mine but they are prettey much a copy of paynes.